Iraq sets Jan 30 date to choose next PM

BAGHDAD: A senior Iraqi official said yesterday that the country's next general election will be held on January 30, setting the stage for a vote likely to strengthen the prime minister's hold on power and his efforts to build a government that will rise above sectarian politics.

US forces are scheduled to leave Iraqi cities and redeploy to large bases outside of urban areas by June 30, but they should be available to help Iraqi forces maintain security for the Jan 30 vote.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is seeking a second term, is after a stronger mandate to forge ahead with his vision of a government that includes all of Iraq's ethnic and religious groups and look beyond the divisive politics of recent years. He has a good chance to build on the success his supporters had in provincial elections held in January.